The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 earbuds have arrived, aiming to solidify the German audio company’s reputation for high-quality sound and premium design. Following the success of their over-ear counterparts, these new true wireless earbuds promise a sophisticated listening experience, from their initial unboxing to everyday use.
First Impressions: Premium Build and Design
From the moment the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are removed from their packaging, a sense of premium quality is evident. The charging case, often an afterthought for many audio brands, makes a strong initial statement. It boasts a robust construction with a lid that closes with a satisfyingly firm click. An embossed Sennheiser logo on the top adds a subtle yet distinct touch of class. This attention to detail contrasts sharply with some competitors, where even supposedly high-end earbuds can feel surprisingly cheap.
The earbuds themselves continue this theme of refined aesthetics. They possess a pleasing weight, feeling substantial without being cumbersome. The silver review unit, in particular, offers a welcome visual distinction from the sea of conventional black and white earbuds available on the market. Sennheiser has also thoughtfully included a variety of ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for different users. Furthermore, the companion app features an innovative sound test designed to help users achieve the optimal seal, crucial for both comfort and sound quality, by preventing audio leakage.
Audio Performance: Rich Sound and Advanced Features
Once properly fitted and playing music, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 deliver on their premium promise. Each compact earbud houses a 7mm TrueResponse dynamic transducer, engineered to produce exceptional audio fidelity. The sound profile is characterized by a generous bass presence that complements, rather than overpowers, the rest of the music. Vocals and instruments are rendered with clarity and distinct separation, ensuring that even complex tracks remain well-defined and free from muddiness.
The accompanying Sennheiser app provides extensive customization options, including a comprehensive equalizer (EQ) that allows users to tailor the sound signature precisely to their preferences. This level of control empowers listeners to fine-tune their audio experience, whether they prefer a more bass-heavy sound or a neutral, analytical presentation.
Active Noise Cancellation and Immersive Audio
The active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities of the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are notably effective. They perform admirably in a variety of challenging environments, from bustling city streets and noisy public transport to the cabin of an airplane. The ANC successfully minimizes ambient distractions, allowing for a more focused listening experience. However, the effectiveness of the ANC is such that users are advised to utilize the ambient sound modes when situational awareness is necessary, such as when walking near traffic, to avoid missing important environmental cues.
Further enhancing the audio experience are support for Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless technologies, which contribute to high-resolution audio transmission. For media consumption, Dolby Atmos, coupled with interactive head tracking, offers an added dimension of immersion, particularly when watching compatible movies and TV shows. This technology creates a more three-dimensional soundstage that adapts to the listener’s head movements.
Call Quality and Battery Life
Improvements have also been made to call quality, thanks to a redesigned eight-sensor system incorporating six microphones. This setup is engineered to ensure that the user’s voice is transmitted clearly, even in noisy surroundings. Battery life is another strong suit, with the earbuds themselves offering approximately 12 hours of playback on a single charge. The charging case extends this significantly, providing around 40 hours of total listening time. For users in a hurry, a quick eight-minute charge can yield an additional hour of playback.
A particularly forward-thinking feature is the inclusion of user-replaceable batteries in both the earbuds and the charging case. This design choice has the potential to dramatically extend the lifespan of the product, offering a more sustainable alternative to earbuds that are discarded when their batteries inevitably degrade.
Minor Criticisms and Considerations
Despite the numerous strengths, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 are not without their minor drawbacks. The USB-C charging port is located on the bottom of the case, necessitating that it lie flat during charging. While wireless charging is supported and mitigates this inconvenience, it remains an unusual design decision.
The cream-colored review unit proved susceptible to picking up dirt, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine appearance. A more significant point of contention for some users may be the Bluetooth multipoint functionality. While designed to allow simultaneous connection to two devices, the experience of switching audio between devices was reportedly less seamless than with some competing products, occasionally requiring manual disconnection and reconnection via Bluetooth settings. Sennheiser may address this with future software updates.
Conclusion: A Premium Choice with a Price Tag
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 present a compelling package of premium design, outstanding sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and robust battery life. The inclusion of user-replaceable batteries is a notable advantage for longevity and sustainability. While the charging port placement and occasional Bluetooth multipoint hiccups are minor imperfections, they do little to detract from the overall high-quality experience.
Priced at £249, these earbuds represent a significant investment. However, for those who prioritize superior audio performance, build quality, and advanced features, the MOMENTUM True Wireless 5 offer a strong justification for their cost. They stand as a highly recommended option for discerning listeners and dedicated Sennheiser enthusiasts with the budget to match.
